Nestled in the campus of University of Connecticut, William Benton Museum of Art is one of most popular art museums in Connecticut. This museum has been operating since 1967 and is known for exhibiting 6500 fine as well as contemporary artworks by acclaimed artists. Besides some permanent exhibits, the museum features temporary exhibitions regularly. With such rich art collection, William Benton Museum of Art invites all enthusiasts for visitation.
With three screens (all outdoors), this classic drive-in has more than just movies, it also has an impressive flea market on Sundays. Enjoy first-run movies with double features from the comfort your car. The full concession stand has all your favorites, like popcorn, burgers and hot dogs. Movies are only shown during the summer months, but that doesn't mean the fun stops! On Sunday mornings the Mansfield Marketplace is open for one of the region's largest flea markets from the first week of spring until Thanksgiving. In October, there are free hay rides, so come early to indulge in some autumn entertainment.
Take a walk by the lake, have a picnic, or ride on the vintage 1914 carousel that is housed in one of America's first municipal parks. Since the mid-1850s, Bushnell Park has offered citizens a comfortable place to unwind away from the hustle-and-bustle of downtown Hartford. On the registry of National Historic Landmarks since 1970, the famous Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch dedicated to those in the Civil War is one of the major highlights as well as the Horace Wells Monument and the Corning Fountain.
Riverside Park is one of Hartford's oldest public parks and its location on the waterfront invites all for a relaxing stroll or bike ride next to the water. The series of four, 148-acre parks on both sides of the River are popular picnicking and excursion spots for Hartford's residents and the many people who work Downtown during the week. Visitors can use the boathouse for rowing along the Connecticut River, get permits to go fishing or during the summer months, and even attend one of the numerous events at the riverfront venue, Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.